Chinese authorities detain seven priests

The Cardinal Kung Foundation reported this week that on November 18, Chinese police officials arrested seven priests of the Diocese of Zhending of the underground Catholic Church. Two of the priests were beaten during the detainment.

According to the Foundation, the Diocese of Zhending is centered in the city of Shijiazhuang, in the northern province of Hebei. Two of the priests, Father Wang Jinshan and Gao Lingshen, both 50, were severely beaten by police. The reasons for the arrest have not been disclosed.

Bishop Jia Zhiguo of Zhengding was himself detained on November 8 after again refusing to join the Patriotic Church, controlled by the Chinese government.

Bishop Jia Zhiguo has spent more than 20 years in prison for not renouncing his fidelity to the Vatican.